Study Abroad Programs

As of 9:00 am on February 3, the 2015 Study Abroad application will be open. Application closes at 11:59 pm on Monday March 16. Access the application* via the Study Abroad Portal.

The rapid trend toward globalization poses new challenges while offering unprecedented opportunity. In a world of greater economic integration and political and social interdependence, Columbia is proud of its longstanding and deep commitment to internationally focused legal education.

The nature and scope of law is changing dramatically. Recent years have witnessed the emergence of whole bodies of new law, such as the laws of the WTO and those governing international investment disputes. We are also observing the proliferation of new governance arrangements, including private governance mechanisms in a broad range of areas such as financial transactions, human rights, criminal justice and environmental protections. The Law School's study abroad programs are designed to maintain and expand upon our pioneering role in international legal education and to provide our students with the widest and and highest quality academic opportunities.

In 1994, Columbia became the first U.S. law school to establish a double-degree program that enabled participants to earn both U.S. Juris Doctor and a foreign law degree, the French Maitrise en Droit. Today, with 29 programs in 12 countries, Columbia Law School offers the broadest array of double-degree, certificate, and study-abroad programs among U.S. law schools. In addition, students are able to create a independent programs at universities around the world.

Travel Advisories and Cancellations

All students currently abroad, or preparing to go abroad, should regularly check the U.S. Department of State website for information and any warnings about countries they wish to visit. These pages contain vital information regarding passport requirements, U.S. institutional contacts abroad, and any current travel alerts and warnings issued by the U.S. government regarding specific countries or regions.

In the unlikely event of a program cancellation or a significant change to a semester abroad program that Columbia determines would significantly affect its quality, students will be allowed to modify their plans. In the case of such changes occurring prior to the start of a study abroad program, students will be able to remain at CLS without penalty and possibly arrange an alternative program. Any such changes should be discussed and arranged with Audrey Baker of the International Programs Office.

Please Note: Transfer of Credit Policy for the LL.M. Program: LL.M. candidates are required to earn 24 points of academic credit and complete the LL.M. Writing Project Requirement to be awarded the LL.M. degree. The Law School does not accept transfer credits for the LL.M. Program, including credits earned in any other degree or non-degree program at Columbia.

*Please note that in order to access the study abroad application for the first time, you must log onto LawNet, go to "Apply for Study Abroad" under "My Services," and agree to the release of your electronic school records to the Office of International Programs. Only once you have agreed to the release on LawNet can you use your usual secure campus login information to access this application.